Senior Manager, Procurement Operations - Hardware

## About the Role The Senior Manager, Procurement Operations - Hardware role at Openai is a unique opportunity to lead the procurement operations for one or more assigned hardware business units. As a key member of the procurement team, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day procurement activities, from request intake to purchase orders, supplier coordination, and invoice readiness. Your goal will be to create a seamless and efficient procurement process that supports the business units' needs while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.

The role requires a deep understanding of hardware and goods procurement, as well as the ability to redesign workflows, intake paths, and operating rhythms to support the company's growth. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware business teams, strategic sourcing, finance, legal, and security, to ensure that procurement activities are aligned with business objectives.

As a senior manager, you will also be responsible for driving standardization and process improvements across the procurement function, leveraging your expertise to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that increase efficiency and effectiveness.

## What You Will Do - Own procurement operations outcomes for assigned hardware business unit teams and serve as their primary Procurement Operations DRI - Redesign workflows, intake paths, routing logic, and operating rhythms to support the company's growth - Lead hardware and goods procurement operations from request intake to purchase orders, supplier coordination, and invoice readiness - Drive alignment with hardware stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve blockers, and keep procurement activity moving with the right level of control - Ensure requests and purchase orders are complete, policy-aligned, audit-ready, and supported by clean operational data - Identify and resolve issues that impact procurement operations, including supplier performance, quality, and delivery issues - Develop and maintain metrics and reports to measure procurement performance and identify areas for improvement - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that procurement activities are aligned with business objectives - Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in procurement, and apply this knowledge to drive process improvements

## What We Are Looking For - 8+ years of experience in procurement operations, preferably in a technology or hardware company - Strong understanding of procurement principles, practices, and technologies - Experience with procurement software and systems, such as ERP, procurement modules, and sourcing tools - Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks and projects - Strong financial fluency, with experience in financial analysis and planning - Experience with data analysis and reporting, with the ability to develop and maintain metrics and reports - Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in managing teams and driving process improvements - Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business, finance, or supply chain management

## Nice to Have - Experience with AI-enabled procurement systems and tools - Knowledge of hardware and goods procurement, including supplier management and contract negotiation - Experience with agile methodologies and project management tools - Certification in procurement, such as CPM or CPSM - Experience with international procurement and trade compliance

## Benefits and Perks - Competitive salary and benefits package - Opportunity to work with a leading AI company and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies - Collaborative and dynamic work environment - Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options - Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs - Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools - Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance

- Tip: Highlight your experience with procurement software and systems, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have used these tools to drive process improvements.

• Tip: Emphasize your analytical and problem-solving skills, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have applied these skills to resolve complex procurement issues.
• Tip: Showcase your leadership and management skills, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have managed teams and driven process improvements.
• Tip: Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting, and provide examples of how you have developed and maintained metrics and reports to measure procurement performance.
• Tip: Research the company and the role thoroughly, and be prepared to ask informed questions during the interview process.
• Tip: Be prepared to provide examples of how you have applied your knowledge of procurement principles and practices to drive business growth and improve procurement processes.